Everyday Carry (EDC) gear is a term used for an assortment of practical items that can be used on a day-to-day basis. Anything from knives to items kept inside a bug-out-bag can be considered EDC equipment. A lot of these items come in a variety of color palettes. In fact, there seems to be a popular trend of dyeing these items into camouflage patterns. However, is it that important to have your gear in camouflage patterns? Does the palette serve any particular purpose? Or can colors serve a better purpose when it comes to EDC?

Camo for EDC

There are definitely some advantages to having camouflage-colored EDC gear. For example:

It’s easier to conceal.

If you’re in the military and/or in a combat/stealth situation, it will blend in with your uniform and help you avoid being spotted.

If you’re a fan of the military and like wearing camouflage clothing on a regular basis, then it definitely fits your style.

But even with all these great factors, having this pattern doesn’t particularly serve a specific purpose in everyday life.

Here are some of the disadvantages of having EDC gear in camouflage patterns:

It’s harder to find if lost or dropped.

It serves no practical purpose to most civilians.

It tends to be sold at a markup from the average market price.

It can be potentially advertised as mil-spec without actually meeting the criteria, with the hopes of fooling inexperienced survival enthusiasts.

It’s just a color scheme.

Still, this doesn’t make it inherently bad. In fact, as long as the gear meets the criteria for mil-spec, or if it simply does the job as advertised, then there is really no problem between owning some camouflage-patterned gear. It’s all a matter of taste.

Colors for EDC

However, let’s discuss the alternative, and take a look at what advantages/disadvantages buying regularly or even brightly colored gear can have.

We already mentioned the fact that camouflage patterns are, more than anything, a simple color preference or fashion statement. But, the same holds true for colorful EDC gear. The only difference is that you have a larger selection to choose from by picking something sold in your favorite color. As long as the criteria specified in the equipment does the job to its full extent, then there should be no difference between using a knife with a bright yellow color scheme and one with a digital camouflage pattern that otherwise has the same specs.

Certainly, you’re going to have an easier time finding a knife with a bright red handle in the woods than one with a dull color, but by no means does this fact make them perfect. Just like anything else on the market, you have to pay attention to what you’re buying, and if you’re a true survivalist, you know you can’t just buy the first thing you see.

Survival 101 states that comparing gear before making a purchase is important; cheaper/low-quality equipment will not last nearly as long as higher-end equipment. Just because it looks nice, or it’s in your favorite color does not mean you should go ahead and purchase it. Instead, go for a happy medium and find something that is reliable and fits your profile.

Potential disadvantages of colorful EDC gear include:

It could be cheaper and less reliable.

Just because you like it and it looks cool doesn’t mean you should buy it.

It sticks out like a sore thumb in the middle of combat situations.

It can’t be worn on uniforms.

It shouldn’t be used in locations or situations where stealth is important.

But, once again, you should just take into consideration when and where you’ll be using the gear. If you’re in the middle of the desert, then perhaps you shouldn’t use a bright green flashlight. But, if you’re just at home, practicing your survival skills, then by all mean carry whatever you like.

Pro Tip: Blackout (non-reflective black paint) is another “stealth” option for EDC gear. While not camouflaged, it’s a happy medium between some of the drab colors typical to this type of gear and camo. Plus, it just looks badass.

Color schemes on EDC gear basically exist to cater to your particular tastes. Always consider the practicality behind an item. Nothing in this world is perfect, and just because you can seamlessly blend in with your surroundings doesn’t mean you should in every situation.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of US Patriot Tactical.

Emmanuel Barbosa, AKA Dash The Bomber, is currently serving in the 7th fleet, and has over 8 years of experience in the military. A writer with a penchant for the humorous and informative, he loves to share his stories with those who would be willing to listen. Having served in deployments that have taken him around the world, Dash has seen and heard about many things that would be hard to believe. A loving father and a faithful husband, he is dedicated to protecting his family and country. For fun he enjoys cosplaying, videogames, and writing for online magazines.

Author Description

Emmanuel "Dash the Bomber" Barbosa

Emmanuel Barbosa, AKA Dash The Bomber, is currently serving in the 7th fleet, and has over 8 years of experience in the military. A writer with a penchant for the humorous and informative, he loves to share his stories with those who would be willing to listen. Having served in deployments that have taken him around the world, Dash has seen and heard about many things that would be hard to believe. A loving father and a faithful husband, he is dedicated to protecting his family and country. For fun he enjoys cosplaying, videogames, and writing for online magazines.